Cambodia – Sanitation, education, food and water security The remote and rural community of Ta Lek does not have any mains water supply and the small reservoir that they do have is not big enough to last through the long dry season that they experience in this part of Cambodia. Without a water source, sanitation has been poor and the risk of disease high. What they do have is reliable source of ground water that is reasonably close to the surface. As part of our project work here that you may get involved in we are building wells to provide drinking water and water for irrigation to ensure a reliable source of essential food. You may also build toilets and it is our aim to provide a toilet for every household in the community. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Cambodia – School improvements and jungle garden reforestation It’s estimated that around 15% of Cambodia’s population never enters the education system and those that do often learn in inadequate schools. You’ll help support a local primary school, through projects such as refurbishing and extending classrooms and constructing a library. You’ll also work on the Jungle Garden at our camp to tackle issues of food production in the dry season. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Cambodia? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Cambodia in 2010. We have been delivering school expeditions there for over fifteen years, developing trusted long-term relationships with local communities across multiple camps including Camp Beng Mealea and Camp Beng Pae, giving school groups genuine confidence in our depth of commitment to the region.
What community project work will students do on the Cambodia 2-week Expedition? Students complete community project work at two different camps. At Camp Beng Mealea, this could include building chicken coops or improving infrastructure at the local school, working alongside local people. At Camp Beng Pae, project work focuses on improving living conditions in a village where residents live below the poverty line and lack access to basic facilities, including building wells and constructing toilets. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term Cambodian partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs.
What cultural and historical experiences are included in the Cambodia 2-week Expedition? Students explore the Beng Mealea temple and visit the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat, followed by an evening watching an Apsara dance, a traditional Cambodian dance designed to mesmerise audiences. Students also visit the Angkor Artisans and silk farm to see traditional crafts being produced, and enjoy an evening at the Phare Circus, a performance that brings Cambodia’s rich history to life. Time in Phnom Penh includes the Russian Market and Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple where many people go to pray for good luck.
What will students learn about Cambodia’s history on the 2-week Expedition? Students spend time exploring Cambodia’s history in Phnom Penh, beginning with a visit to the Royal Palace at the heart of the city. Students then visit the S21 museum and the Killing Fields, giving them the opportunity to learn about the Khmer Rouge regime, a significant part of Cambodia’s history. These visits are presented with appropriate context and care, forming an important educational component of the expedition.
Where do students stay during the Cambodia 2-week Expedition? Students stay across two camps during the programme. Camp Beng Mealea, around 1.5 hours from Siem Reap, is the base for one project phase, and Camp Beng Pae, a woodland retreat at the edge of a village, is the base for the other. Students also stay in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh during the cultural phases of the programme. All bases are selected and managed to ensure consistent welfare standards and security throughout.
Is the Cambodia 2-week Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Cambodia since 2010 with experienced locally based teams. Comprehensive risk assessments are reviewed before every departure, 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au) at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Cambodia 2-week Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across both camps and city accommodation in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to Angkor Wat, the Apsara dance and the Phare Circus, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
